Local elections: How to cast a special vote in Tāmaki Makaurau

Thousands of Aucklanders are expected to cast special votes in the final hours before local election polls close at 12pm on Saturday.

Council officials say special voting plays a crucial role in ensuring that as many eligible people as possible can take part, even if they missed postal deadlines or never received their voting packs.

“Special votes are perfect for people who didn’t enrol or update their enrolment details in time, didn’t receive their voting papers, or are on the unpublished roll,” says Lou-Ann Ballantyne, General Manager of Governance and Engagement at Auckland Council.

“Special voting accommodates a range of circumstances so that as many eligible voters as possible can participate.”

Last day to enrol

To validate a special vote, residents must already be enrolled with the Electoral Commission by the end of Friday 10 October, the day before close of voting.

Declaration signed and envelope sealed. Aucklanders can still have their say. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata

Special voting will still be available at select libraries until midday Saturday, but only for those already enrolled.

Ballantyne says the council has made extensive efforts to reach voters who may not have received their voting packs.

“More than 90 Vote-on-the-Go sites and select libraries for special voting have been available from 13 September to Saturday 11 October at a wide range of venues and locations across the region,” she says.

Haven’t got your papers or changed address? Fill out a declaration and cast a special vote. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata

“This has been reported by media, as well as across all council channels and among communities.”

No confusion over closing time

Auckland Council says it has not received any reports of confusion about the midday Saturday closing time for voting.

After polls close, special votes are verified and included in the final count.

“Special votes are opened and processed once the preliminary results are released,” Ballantyne says. “They’re checked for validity, and where required, elector details are forwarded to the Electoral Commission to ensure these electors are correctly enrolled on the parliamentary roll.”

A final call to action

With voting set to close within hours, Ballantyne is urging every eligible Aucklander to make their voice heard.

“This is your last chance to choose who represents you and make critical decisions for Tāmaki Makaurau’s future over the next three years,” she says. “Vote today or let someone else choose Auckland’s representatives for you.”

“If you still need to pick up voting papers, our teams are out and about today to help you cast a special vote. You can find them and your nearest vote box by visiting voteauckland.co.nz/wheretovote.”

Key details:

• Enrolment cut-off: End of Friday 10 October

• Special vote deadline: 12 pm Saturday 11 October

• Info: voteauckland.co.nz/wheretovote | www.vote.nz

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.